What is Important to Older People with Multimorbidity and Their Caregivers? Identifying Attributes of Person Centered Care from the User Perspective

Abstract

Introduction: Health systems are striving to design and deliver care that is ‘person centered’—aligned with the needs and preferences of those receiving it; however, it is unclear what older people and their caregivers value in their care. This paper captures attributes of care that are important to older people and their caregivers. Methods: This qualitative descriptive study entailed 1–1 interviews with older adults with multimorbidity receiving community based primary health care in Canada and New Zealand and caregivers. Data were analyzed to identify core attributes of care, important to participants. Findings: Feeling heard, appreciated and comfortable; having someone to count on; easily accessing health and social care; knowing how to manage health and what to expect; feeling safe; and being independent were valued. Each attribute had several characteristics including: being treated like a friend; having contact information of a responsive provider; being accompanied to medical and social activities; being given clear treatment options including what to expect; having homes adapted to support limitations and having the opportunity to participate in meaningful hobbies. Conclusions: Attributes of good care extend beyond disease management. While our findings include activities that characterize these attributes, further research on implementation barriers and facilitators is required.

Keywords

• multimorbidity
• primary health care
• patient experience
• caregiver
• Canada
• New Zealand
• qualitative
• person centered care